Lifestyle proposal for "JBL Pulse 6"
On October 7th, Harman International held "HARMAN ExPLORE TOKYO 2026," a private event showcasing the latest audio products from JBL, Mark Levinson, and Harman Kardon, as well as their future brand strategies.
At the preview event, which gathered media representatives and influencers, several upcoming new products were displayed. Their features, technical backgrounds, and future market strategies were also introduced.
The new soundbar "JBL Cinema SB580"
Concept display of Auracast-compatible wireless speakers
A Foldable Soundbar Appears?
The new soundbar series unveiled at this event is the "JBL Cinema SB500 MkII" series. Positioned as entry-to-mid-range models that deliver authentic cinema sound while keeping prices down, they will be sold through limited channels such as Amazon and direct-to-consumer stores.
SB510 MkII in the foreground, SB580 MkII in the background
The "JBL Cinema SB510 MkII" is a one-bar type product with a built-in subwoofer, offering 200W of output. It supports HDMI ARC and will be exclusively available on Amazon.co.jp.
The "JBL Cinema SB580 MkII" is a model that comes with a separate wireless subwoofer, boasting 440W of output. It supports HDMI ARC and Dolby Atmos playback. This model will be available through online-exclusive channels, including the JBL Online Store, Rakuten Ichiba, Yahoo! Shopping, and JBL's official store on Amazon.
Both models feature a chic and simple design that blends seamlessly with various interiors and furniture. While pursuing unobtrusive minimalism, they also incorporate playful elements, such as LED effects on the bottom of the main unit.
Pay attention near the JBL logo; something like a fold is visible.
In their development, unique approaches were adopted across three axes: "sound quality," "expandability," and "transport efficiency."
Regarding sound quality, JBL's expertise, honed from extensive knowledge of cinema acoustics, has been infused as "JBL Cinema Sound." To ensure the most crucial aspect of movie watching—the clarity of dialogue—both models adopt a 3.1ch configuration with a dedicated center speaker.
The SB510 MkII features a full-range unit and a subwoofer positioned on the side of the main unit, offering powerful bass and clear localization in a single, easy-to-use device. The SB580 MkII is a higher-end model equipped with a two-way configuration featuring a tweeter and a racetrack-shaped woofer, along with a downward-firing 165mm large-diameter wireless subwoofer, enabling immersive and precise bass reproduction.
The newly developed "SurroundPlay" feature is a highlight of this series. Since soundbars are typically placed below a TV, the sound is generally virtual surround from the front. However, by adding the company's portable Bluetooth speakers, users can enjoy true rear surround sound.
Currently, it supports two "JBL Flip 7" units, offering the flexibility to integrate portable speakers, normally used for music outdoors or in other rooms, into a full-fledged real surround sound system specifically for movie viewing.
Furthermore, to maintain an affordable price point as an entry-level model without compromising sound quality, the SB580 MkII adopts a new design that reduces logistics costs associated with transportation and packaging.
Instead of traditional L-shaped or irregularly shaped packaging, the bar unit and subwoofer components are efficiently stored without gaps in a compact package, achieved by making the soundbar foldable into a U-shape.
Previously, combining a long bar and a square box required irregularly shaped packaging, but folding it allows for compact stacking. This saves space in containers and warehouses, improving transport efficiency and reducing costs.
At the venue, we experienced a real surround sound demo combining the SB580 MkII with two Flip 7 units. What immediately impressed us was the extremely simple connection procedure.
Simply press the SurroundPlay button on the back of the soundbar to enter pairing mode, then sequentially press the Auracast buttons on the Flip 7 units placed as the left and right rear speakers. This completes the setup, including position identification (channel assignment). While fine-tuning of sound is not yet possible, the presence of rear speakers significantly enhances the horizontal sound movement and the sense of being enveloped by sound.
It's also great that those who already own Flip 7 units can utilize them for other purposes.
Press the SurroundPlay button.
Press the Auracast button.
In a demo using gunfight and flight scenes from the movie "Mission: Impossible," a dense surround sound space was reproduced, which was surprisingly good for a system utilizing portable speakers. While simple, it's an interesting solution that effectively leverages the features of Auracast.
Earphones: JBL Wave Series Refresh
In the headphones and earphones category, the key highlight was a complete refresh of the flagship entry-level "JBL Wave Series." Also striking was the exhibition showcasing the "green" trend color across all product lines.
JBL plans to aggressively roll out "green" color variations across its main earphone and headphone lines as a new trend for 2026. The booth featured a special corner gathering various green models with different textures for each model, including the high-end "JBL Tour series," the mid-range "JBL Live series," and new colors for the upcoming "JBL Soundgear Clips."
Jade Green model of "JBL Soundgear Clips"
Even though it's called green, the textures differ slightly.
"JBL Live Buds 4" in metallic green.
It has also been decided that the green models of "JBL Live 780NC" and "JBL Live 680NC" will be released on October 18th.
For JBL Soundgear Clips, in addition to the Jade Green on the right, Ruby Red will also be added as a new color on November 12th.
Entry-level earphones under 10,000 yen
The entry-level "JBL Wave 3" series will introduce three models with different wearing styles. This continues and strengthens the multi-style proposal tailored to users' lifestyles and uses.
Buds, Beam, Flex from front to back
Available in three forms: Buds, Beam, and Flex.
"JBL Fit Checker" to find your perfect style
The "JBL Wave Buds 3" is an in-ear canal-type earbud (earplug style) with a distinctive charging case structure. It has evolved from the traditional open-top case to a "Dual Side Pop Design" that allows earbuds to be removed from both left and right sides, and the case itself is approximately 10% smaller than before. This model is ideal for users who prioritize sound isolation and immersion. It features an 8mm dynamic driver, ANC functionality, IP54 water and dust resistance for the earbuds, and IPX2 splash resistance for the case. The direct sales price is 8,800 yen, launching on October 15th. It will be available in four colors: Black, White, Purple, and Teal.
Wave Buds 3 allows earbuds to be quickly removed from the side.
The case is significantly more compact compared to Wave Buds 2 (left).
Wave Buds 3 color lineup
Wave Buds 3 Teal model
The "JBL Wave Beam 3" is a canal-type model with a short stick, designed for versatile use in both work and private settings. Its driver size and water/dust resistance are equivalent to those of the Wave Buds 3.
This model will be exclusively available through the JBL Online Store, Rakuten Ichiba, Yahoo! Shopping, and JBL's official store on Amazon, priced at 8,030 yen. It will be released sequentially starting October 15th. Five colors are planned, with Teal and Orange joining the initial Black, White, and Purple on October 29th.
Wave Beam 3 comes with eartips, ensuring a secure seal.
The "JBL Wave Flex 3" is an open-ear (inner-ear) type that doesn't block the ear, making it suitable for "ambient listening" where users can remain aware of their surroundings and conversations. It features large 12mm drivers, providing comfortable long-term wear without pressure. ANC is a 6-microphone hybrid type. The direct sales price is 9,900 yen, launching on October 15th. It will be available in four colors: Black, White, Purple, and Teal.
Wave Flex 3 is an inner-ear type without eartips, allowing ambient sounds to naturally enter the ear.
A common evolution across all three models is a significant increase in equalizer settings when linked with the "JBL Headphones" app, from the previous 6 types to 16. Users can select optimal sound correction from three categories: "Genre (Jazz/Pop, etc.)," "Scenario (Podcast/Movie/Game, etc.)," and "Sound Signature (Bass Boost, etc.)."
Operation guidance voices can now be selected from a variety of patterns, including not only the traditional female voice but also male voice, anime child-like, robot-like, and DJ-like styles.
Auracast reception is also possible, allowing for low-latency, wireless audio casting from the "JBL Tour Pro 3" charging case or a separately sold Auracast transmitter. Furthermore, all models' charging cases now come standard with a strap hole, improving portability and accessory compatibility.
In addition to these, the venue also showcased the "JBL Jr700NC" kids' headphones, which received the "Kids Design Award" for their safe design with noise cancellation, and the "JBL Quantum 520" gaming headset was displayed as a reference exhibit.
While its Japan launch and price are yet to be determined, it features 50mm carbon dynamic drivers, spatial sound, dual wireless connectivity (2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.4), and up to 37 hours of playback.
Quantum 520 Wireless
Wi-Fi Speaker JBL Cove Also Introduced
Introducing a new home audio proposition for the streaming era: the new line of Wi-Fi speakers, the "JBL Cove series."
According to the Japan Audio Society's "Music Media User Survey," "subscription music streaming" has become the top method for paid music listening in Japan, surpassing CDs and live performances. In an age where subscriptions, alongside video sharing services like YouTube, are central to the music experience, the importance of Wi-Fi speakers is growing as devices that can play high-quality streaming audio without interruption from smartphone notifications.
JBL Cove speakers utilize Wi-Fi connectivity rather than standard Bluetooth. The benefits highlighted include uncompressed high-resolution streaming playback (reproducing original sound quality), stable playback and usability without music interruptions from calls or notifications, and advanced integration with smart home systems and generative AI (such as Gemini), offering natural language voice control and continuous updates.
The three Cove models are on the top shelf. The soundbars below can be used in conjunction.
The name "Cove" means "small inlet." It embodies the concept of a calm and comfortable private space that, like a cove connected to the sea, links to the entire world (over 100 million streaming songs).
The JBL Cove X1 is the flagship model, featuring built-in height speakers and supporting Dolby Atmos spatial audio playback with a single unit. It comes in two colors: Black and White.
The JBL Cove P1 is a portable model with a built-in battery, allowing it to be carried anywhere outdoors or around the house. It also features height speakers and supports Dolby Atmos.
The JBL Cove M1 is an entry-level model, a compact 3-channel speaker that omits the height speakers.
All models boast a luxurious acoustic design with three tweeters and a center speaker, featuring "Constant Sound Field" to fill the space with uniform sound, "AI Sound Boost" to maintain rich sound quality even at low volumes, and a "Self-Tuning Function" to automatically optimize bass according to the installation environment.
All models are compatible with the "JBL One" app, allowing them to recognize Cove speakers within the network and enable individual volume adjustments and participation in multi-room playback. Furthermore, a "Moment Button" is included, allowing seamless multi-room playback with just a physical button press, without needing to open the smartphone app. By long-pressing the Moment Button (marked with a heart icon) on a Cove speaker in one room, music playing in another room can be synchronized and played. Long-pressing again allows it to be disconnected from the group.
Additionally, a single press of the button can play healing sounds like forest ambient noise or ocean waves, masking everyday noise and creating a pleasant atmosphere.
The Cove series can also wirelessly link with JBL's latest soundbars, such as the "Bar 500 MkII" and "Bar 300 MkII." By utilizing the battery-equipped Cove P1, users can achieve a highly flexible home theater setup: "normally using it as a Wi-Fi speaker in the living room or bedroom, and then placing it behind the soundbar as a completely wireless rear speaker only when watching movies."
While YouTube has the highest contact rate for music listening in Japan, subscription services account for a nearly equal proportion when it comes to paid music.
Six features of Cove
Technologies adopted by Cove
Cove's driver configuration
By linking with the app, multiple speakers can be freely controlled.
By long-pressing the Moment Button, multi-room playback can be easily enjoyed with just a physical button.
Pressing the Moment Button can also play relaxing ambient sounds.
Linking with a soundbar expands usage scenarios.
JBL Focuses on 3 Speaker Categories for Product Development
Concluding the series of presentations, Harman International also outlined the three key speaker product categories they will focus on moving forward.
The first is the "Performance" category, exemplified by the "PartyBox" series—a group of speakers designed not just for listening to sound, but as tools for users to express and create their own performances by connecting microphones or guitars. These appeal to commercial and personal use for events, stores, workshops, and more.
The second is the "Ambiance Creation" category, symbolized by products like the "JBL Pulse 6"—a group of interior speakers that beautifully produce an entire space by combining high-quality audio with lighting and light effects.
Finally, the "Serious Listening" category will offer a range of high-quality Wi-Fi speakers, centered around the newly launched Cove series, providing an optimal playback environment for the subscription era.
Representative products of the three categories
The product lineup unveiled at "HARMAN ExPLORE TOKYO 2026" presented Harman International's clear vision, integrating modern lifestyles with cutting-edge technology, such as using portable speakers as rear speakers (SurroundPlay), balancing eco-friendly design with high sound quality, and Wi-Fi spatial audio anticipating the generative AI era.
We look forward to the official announcements and releases of each product.
General sales of the previously pre-sold BandBox Solo are also planned.
Wireless microphones are also offered under the JBL brand.
Powered speakers displayed as reference exhibits. The 308P MkIII, 306P MkIII, and 305P MkIII are available.
"LEXUS ES" equipped with a Mark Levinson audio system
"GR Corolla" equipped with a JBL sound system
"JBL Flip 7" the size of a bottle or PET bottle
"Luna 2" from the Harman Kardon brand
"Allure 2" from the Harman Kardon brand, displayed as a reference exhibit. It's a speaker with 360-degree ambient lighting that synchronizes with music.
